Aerothermodynamics in Europe - ESA achievements and challenges

The paper discusses some of the critical aerothermodynamic issues for the design of re-entry space vehicles and launchers. A number of analysis and test results are presented and the importance of flight-testing is identified for the validation of the methods and procedures for flight extrapolation of results obtained from ground-based facilities. The paper concludes by identifying future work requirements to strengthen further the computational capabilities and to conserve and extend the major test facilities in Europe. Such objectives could be facilitated by developing a European network of industry, research organizations and universities, which is a challenging task. The need for verifying ground-based tests with in-flight experiments for validation purposes, i.e., vehicle demonstrators, is also addressed.